A SWINE flu survivor has returned to work three years after contracting the disease that almost killed him.

Paul Taylor, 35, feared he would never see his wife and children again after contracting the illness, which destroyed his entire immune system and attacked several main organs.

He will now have to take medication every day for the rest of his life, but he has vowed to remain positive.

Paul, of Huddleston Road, Grimsby, said he is also delighted to be able to return to work – albeit part-time – at the Van Franchise, in Jackson Place, Humberston.

He said: "I was never scared of dying but I was afraid of missing the ones I love.

"Having the disease was terrible but I did not realise how long-lasting the after-affects would be.

"It has taken me three years to get back on my feet."

As reported, back in June 2009, The World Health Organisation (Who) declared a flu pandemic. Eight months later the virus had killed 457 people across the UK.

By summer 2010, levels of the disease had fallen and Who announced the pandemic over.

However, for Paul his struggles had only just begun.

The first sign that anything was wrong was when he developed flu-like symptoms in October 2009 – when he complained of a headache and that his body was aching all over.

He was given a course of Tamiflu and within two weeks he felt well again.

Unfortunately this was not to last and less than a week later he was admitted to Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital, where he was diagnosed with swine flu.

His oxygen levels were low and blood tests revealed that both his kidneys had shut down. He also had pneumonia, with an X-ray showing his right lung to be completely saturated.

The married father-of-two said: "I was in excruciating pain and monitored on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for a week.

"I am six foot tall and at the time I weighed 11 stones – I had lost two stones in two weeks due to the illness.

"Medics took me for a CT scan which revealed I also had abscesses covering two thirds of my outer lung wall. I was transfer red to Castle Hill Hospital, Hull, for surgery where surgeons operated through my back, breaking six ribs in the process."

The operation was successful and a week later Paul was looking forward to the prospect of going home.

Then, as he spent Sunday night watching the X Factor results in hospital through a pool of sweat, he released something had gone wrong.

Swabs confirmed that he had developed MRSA – a bacterial infection – and he was put into an isolation room.

He said: "The hardest part for me was trying to fight this new infection with no immune system, as the swine flu had killed it.

"If drugs and medication did not work I would be dead.

"Finally on December 23, 2009, I was allowed back home but my life has not been the same since.

"I am still in constant pain today from it all and I have to take medication daily to carry on.

"I rely on doses of morphine three times a day and I am on a drug which cancer patients use during their end-of-life care.

"Despite all this, I have to look at the positive side and I am grateful for still being alive.

"I also want to thank my very understanding boss at work for allowing me to come back after three years."

THE brilliant autumnal colours of Louth's Hubbards Hills formed the superb backdrop for the third match in the Lincolnshire Cross Country League series.

The fields around the edges of the popular Wolds beauty spot came alive as runners from around the county jostled for position.

The superb course had everything – steep climbs, long gradual uphill drags, lightning fast down-hills – plus a healthy dose of mud.

In the senior/veteran men's showdown, the usual suspects from Lincoln Wellington and Nene Valley Harriers were among the frontrunners.

Former Louth AC man Richard Brown – who now runs in the white and red of the Lincoln club – dominated the race and won by over a minute-and-a-half.

Brown was the winner of the 2012 Cleethorpes New Year's Day 10k Road Race and went on to clock 31.06 at the Dewsbury 10K in March. Since that breakthrough run he has struggled with injury, but looks to be back with a bang.

Powerful Nene Valley athlete Nick Grimer was second, ahead of Boston AC's Jose Ferreira.

Andrew Ely was the first runner home from a local club. The Clee AC man, who excels in cross country events, finished a good tenth.

Wolds Veteran Runners Club's Chris Bromfield was 20th overall, and eighth veteran.

In the senior/veteran womens' race, Louth's Helen Cladingbowl achieved a good second place behind winner Sophie Cowper, of Lincoln Wellington. Wolds Vet Tracey Gibson was in solid form, finishing 15th.

A handful of Grimsby-area runners in the younger age group races managed to force top-three individual positions.

Cleethorpes AC's Olivia Evans grabbed third spot in the Under-13 girls' contest, while Louth AC's Elizabeth Hardcastle was third in the Under-15 girls' showdown.

Grimsby Harrier Lauren Bell was also third, in the Under-17 women's event.

Cleethorpes AC's Luke Nuttall was third in the Under-15 boys' race, while fellow blue and gold Archie Woods was third in the Under-11 boys' battle.

The fourth and final Lincs League match takes place on December 9 at Caythorpe Court, near Grantham. Full details at www.granthamac.com/xc/xcprogramme.htm

ANDY Liddle's Cleethorpes Town go into tomorrow's match against Clipstone Welfare hoping to maintain the momentum that has catapulted them into second spot in the Northern Counties East League Division One.

Liddle's high-fliers face mid-table Clipstone at the Bradley Community Stadium.

Fans can watch the game for free with the voucher printed below.

Liddle said: "Clipstone started the season well, but then they dropped off a bit.

"They got a good win at Teversal in midweek, though, so it will be a tough game.

"It looks like I'll have a strong 16, so I'm confident.

"Hopefully, the voucher offer with the Grimsby Telegraph will mean there's a good crowd.

"We want to put on a good show and then perhaps some will come back again."

Liddle's men fought back with two late, late goals to draw 2-2 at Knaresborough Town last Saturday.

He continued: "Looking at other results in the league last weekend, it was a good point.

"And when you draw a game so late like that, it feels like a win.

"We changed things in the second half and credit to the lads, they tried and tried and we equalised with the last kick of the game.

"We didn't turn up in the first half. That's the way we've been – too often we are letting teams get ahead. I hope we can put that right.

"But we've had a young side and a few injuries and absentees during a potentially sticky patch.

"The reserve team players that have come in have done well, though, and taking all that into account, I'm happy with the results we've got.

Borough expect to have some new signings at their disposal, including former Grimsby Town Youth team player Danny Grant, who has also played for Grimsby Borough and Selby Town, and Tom Birchall, a midfielder from Newquay AFC.

Liddle added: "I'm always looking to strengthen the squad where possible, and it's good to bring in a bit of experience."

DEFENDER Ian Miller is set for a recall to the Mariners' starting XI for the clash with Buxton – but Joe Colbeck won't be back from injury.

Centre-half Nathan Pond sits out the match after picking up his fifth booking of the campaign in last weekend's victory over Braintree Town.

And Grimsby Town joint manager Paul Hurst has confirmed that Miller will be the man to once again deputise.

However, Colbeck's knee injury keeps the winger out for another week, and Frankie Artus will remain on the sidelines for three to four weeks.

"Ian Miller will play in place of Nathan Pond. Beyond, that, Joe Colbeck's still injured and Frankie Artus has had had his hernia operation.

"I think Joe should be available for Ebbsfleet. There's no guarantees of course, but the Trophy game has definitely come too soon for him.

"It will be at least three or four weeks before Frankie's back. Everything went as expected and it's a relatively standard operation these days, so we don't envisage any problems."

Other than the one enforced switch in personnel, Hurst insists he and Rob Scott won't be looking to make mass changes.

"If you make too many changes it can give the players a bit of an excuse and reason to take their foot off the pedal," he added.

"But for the lads who do get the shirt, it's again a chance to impress and either stake a claim if they haven't been in the team or convince us to keep them in.

"If they're a regular starter but they play poorly tomorrow that puts it in our minds to potentially drop them. I wouldn't want that to happen as a player and hopefully we'll see the right attitude tomorrow."

As reported, winger Louie Soares has returned to Cleethorpes from his loan spell at Ebbsfleet United.

And Hurst has challenged the former Hayes & Yeading man to impress the Town bosses.

"We'll have to discuss whether he's in the match-day squad or not," he said.

"Louie's loan had almost run its course, and it's the Trophy this weekend so we didn't him to be cup-tied. Then the weekend after we play Ebbsfleet so he wouldn't have been able to play anyway.

"We've cut his loan short but he's had plenty of games with them and has been training with us up here from time to time.

"He's gone out and got some match fitness and confidence – now it's a case of him impressing and pushing for that start.

"The door's not close for Louie and we'll see how it goes over the next month or so."

RESIDENTS of North East Lincolnshire will once again be able to recycle cardboard – thanks to a £3.59-million government grant.

And – for the first time – plastics will also be collected from households as North East Lincolnshire plans a radical shake-up of the kerbside recycling scheme in the borough.

The cash, which North East Lincolnshire Council had bid for, as reported, not only secures the future of weekly collections of ordinary household waste, but will also mean the introduction of weekly kerbside box collections.

The announcement comes just a few months after the council ordered households to stop putting cardboard in brown garden waste bins, blaming it for contamination.

It led to a furore from residents angry that they were being forced to put recyclable materials with ordinary waste.

Now, following news of the bid's success, which will be used to pay for extra equipment, vehicles and collection crews for a minimum of five years, residents have welcomed the planned changes.

It is hoped the new collections will start from next spring/summer – with residents being informed of their new collections early next year.

Resident Dave Evardson, 63 of Daggett Road, Cleethorpes, was one of a host of readers who voiced their concern in the Telegraph's Viewpoint pages over the decision to stop recycling cardboard.

He said: "It is bound to make a big difference.

"When the changes take place it will make it a lot easier to recycle.

"I think that recycling is the next best thing to not using any packaging at all.

"We don't want to be sticking our waste in landfill sites if it can be re-used.

"I welcome the new collection service because it will make things easier and help the environment."

Student Tracey Allen, 40, of Collingwood Crescent, Grimsby, added: "This will change my life greatly.

"We have been doing our own recycling and this new service will really help.

"We tend to recycle as much as we can and we have at least a bin bag full of plastic a week.

"We have needed the collections for a long time now."

As reported, the funding has come from the £250-million Weekly Collection Support administered by communities secretary Eric Pickles to help local authorities maintain or return to weekly refuse collections.

However, after the criteria for bids was opened out to include a variety of different recycling schemes, 145 local authorities applied for grants totalling £345-million – meaning the scheme was massively over-subscribed.

Councillor Peter Wheatley, portfolio holder for regeneration and environment, said he was delighted that NELC's bid was among those to be approved.

He said: "This is a win-win as the grant will create local jobs and reduce the cost of waste disposal.

"I am delighted, as we worked very hard on this bid. This is fantastic news for the people of North East Lincolnshire.

"For the first time we will be able to collect plastics direct from the kerbside, which is something residents have been asking for.

"We can also now keep our weekly collections of normal waste and not resort to fortnightly collections as many councils have done.

"This money could not have come at a better time.

"The collection and disposal of waste costs the council around £10-million a year and, with Government taxation, this bill risks getting bigger by the day.

"I would appeal to everyone to recycle as this helps keep the bill down so the council can spend money on other vital services. With a new weekly collection of recycling there is simply no excuse."

Have your say

Let us know your views by commenting on this story at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk or emailing newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.

MICHAEL Rankine has further bolstered Grimsby Town's attacking firepower ahead of the start of their FA Trophy campaign.

The Aldershot striker completed a one-month loan deal before yesterday's 5pm deadline – and could be in line to make his debut against Buxton tomorrow (3pm).

Mariners bosses Paul Hurst and Rob Scott publicly stated their desire to bring in another forward following Anthony Elding's loan move to Preston North End last week.

And 27-year-old Rankine appears to fit the bill. The 6ft 3in forward, who has also played for York City and Rushden & Diamonds, should certainly add a physical presence to the team's frontline.

He will join fellow loan striker Ross Hannah, Andy Cook, Greg Pearson and Dayle Southwell as Town's fit forwards, with Liam Hearn still recovering from a ruptured Achilles.

In addition, the bosses have also moved to extend Marcus Marshall's loan stay at the club until January 5.

The Bury winger has impressed Hurst and Scott since joining the club on an initial one-month deal at the start of November.

"We're delighted that we've extended Marcus' stay," Hurst said.

"We're keen to get him onboard, partly because Frankie Artus and Joe Colbeck are out injured, allied to the fact that he's done very well.

"He attacks defenders, he puts them on the back foot and makes it difficult.

"We were keen to extend it and he was keen to stay because he's really enjoying his football.

"In general, he gets quite a bit of the ball in our team and he's encouraged to take players on which is a big part of his game.

"I think he's improved game by game.

"Whenever he's running at defenders, we're happy. We want him to take his defender on. It makes the defender's life much harder.

"Whereas if he runs up to him, turns around and passes it back every time, speaking as a former defender, you are happy to play against that.

"After bedding in during that first half at Tamworth, since then he's been positive on the ball, won us a lot of free-kicks, got into good positions and done really well for us."

WITH just over a third of the season gone, the Premier Section appears to be a three-horse race.

The rest of the pack are already 22 points adrift of the leading trio in the Roy Ling Mutual Grimsby Snooker Singles League.

The top team, Webbonet, ran in all eight frames for the sixth time this season as Paul Clark, Paul Metcalf, Mick Ponsonby and Nige Emmerson proved too strong for Ray Edmonds Enigmas.

Clee Cons A beat a three-man Blossom Way B 7-1 when Gary Skipworth and Karl Krajnyak both won 2-0 and Jon Steel shared with Steve Crane.

Ray Edmonds A beat Inspirations Fireplaces 6-2 as Lee Plant, Alan Edmonds and John Ashford-Smith all won 2-0 in reply to a 2-0 from Daz Evans.

The best individual performance came from Ashley Wright, who led TR Carpets to a 6-2 victory at Cambridge H.

He made breaks of 49 and 42 in his first frame and followed this up with a brilliant 84 clearance in the second.

Mark Graves also won two, and Scott Templeman and Scott Long won singles against Mark Wilkinson and Andy Hubbard.

The derby game at Cue World saw Stu Swinburn, John Cribb and Ivan Harvey share the first six frames with Danny Braithwaite, Jack Stinson and Kev Cowdroy before a last board 2-0 from Bob Reeves gave Cue World a 5-3 victory against Willows Sea Foods.

Single set wins from Alan Phillips, John Parrott and Steve Wright and a 2-0 from Craig Rowbotham gave West End A a 5-3 against Metshine Westlands.

Scoring for Metshine were Tony Aisthorpe, Pete Smith and Tim Gillin.

Martyn Shaw and Dave Powell, with two-apiece, and Daz Stansfield and Paul Taylor with singles made it a West End double as they won 6-2 at Clee Bowls X.

Ian Hogarth, with a lovely 65 break, and Kev Ratcliffe won the frames for the home team.

Don Noble Bookmakers also won 6-2 as Mark Stevens and Ian Sadler scored two-each and Keith Southwell and Craig Taylor shared with MJ Decorators' Andy and Mick Forward.

Clee Cons B moved to within a point of leaders Steve Austwick Garden Services in Section A after a hard-fought 5-3 win at Clee Bowls A.

Lewis Singleton shared the opening two frames with Dave Ashmore before Scott Gibbins gave the visitors a 3-1 lead.

This was wiped out with a 2-0 from Roy Ling and, in the end, it was a last board 2-0 from Lee Pawson that gave the Cons victory.

Cromwell A had to be content with a 4-4 draw at home against Hainton A as after a 2-0 from Keith Atmore had given the visitors the advantage, Simon Bensley needed two to level things up.

2-0 wins from Andy Smith and Steve Ellis and a single from Daz Kaveney against Dave Page, gave Ray Edmonds J a 5-3 at Hainton B. Chris Taylor was the 2-0 winner for the home team.

Pete Sandiford and Phil Scanlan both won two and Darren Hare won a single against Ian Dannatt as Standard A beat Grimsby Police 5-3. Gaz Dannatt won the other two frames for the Coppers.

An opening 2-0 from Drew Winship and singles from Terry Lloyd, Bill Altoft and Gary Wright against Brian Ryley, Mark Leggett and Joe Goodfellow gave Healing Mens a 5-3 victory at Carr Lane D.

This format was repeated when Shaun Cook won the first two frames for Clee Bowls Police and Mark Stainton, Johnpaul Teanby and Rog Lockwood shared the remaining frames with T.R. Carpets A's Alan Burns, Kev North and Rick Gilliatt in another 5-3 result.

Cromwell Rat Pack fell over the line at Jammie Dodgers in Section B after Sean Carlisle and Andy Dent picked up two-apiece and Ryan Johnstone scored a single against Chris Dunham. John Anderson won the other two for the Dodgers.

G.S.N. Westlands hit South Bank Imo's for six when John and Dan Morton both won 2-0 and Ted Foster and Ray Barrett shared with Barry Potter and Mick Reed,

Alex Burnett, Ryan Milson and Chris Tuck shared the first six frames with Nigel Mumby, John Ford and George Clark before a last board 2-0 from Simon Lidgard gave Healing Legion B a 5-3 at Westlands A.

Mike Caborn won the opening two frames for Grey N Balding but that was all they could muster as 2-0's from Wayne Webber, Keith Board and Stu Wilkinson gave Nats B a 6-2 victory.

The derby game at Linden Homes saw the Snipers beat the B team 6-2 when Steve Johnson and Jason Reynolds both won 2-0 and Roy Southwell and Jimmy Yates shared with Chris Brown and Mel Pratt.

Keith Sowter won the first two frames for Clee Bowls D and Ray Charlton, S. Taylor and Dave Johnson chipped in with singles as they beat Rapid Frames 5-3. Brett Cattell, Jimmy Dean and Rik Walden won the singles for Rapid.

Clee Bowls C won 6-2 at Blossom Way A when Harry Putland and Mick Laverick both won two and Ken Payne and Eric Buck shared with Myles Kennan and Andy Johnson.

2-0 wins from Steve and Lee Neul were cancelled out by 2-0's from Mick Gowen and Mike Clark as Westlands Juniors drew 4-4 at Clark Self Drive.

Grimsby Police put the cosh to Birds Eye B in Section C when Kev Ferguson, Paul Dixon, Mark Tarttelin and George Walters won all the frames against their unfortunate opponents.

Ray Edmonds N beat club-mates Re-Generation K 5-3 after Mark Smith shared with Marc Phillips and Lee Singleton and Jase Sanders both won 2-0. Carl Salah won the other two frames for Re-Gens.

2-0 wins from Glen Glover and Lee Doughty, and a single from Jay Cowan against Mick Gollings, put Laceby Legion B 5-1 up against Carr Lane E before Terry Bird won the last two frames for the CarrLaners.

A 2-0 from Paul Grayson and singles from Simon Douglas, Gary Camburn and Wayne Douglas against Andy Widgery, Garry White and Craig Allerston gave Birds Eye B a 5-3 against Cambridge C.

Jamie Smith and Mark George both won two and Scott Jackson scored a single against Terry Ironmonger as T.R. Carpets B beat South Bank B 5-3. Mat Paterson won the two for the Bankers.

Cabbies beat a three man Rays Rockers 5-3 when Ian Singleton won both his frames and Geoff Brown shared with Rick Francis. David Taylor was the 2-0 winner for the Rockers.

Paul Brett Snr was the star of the show for Ray Edmonds Z in Section D as his first 2-0 of the season gave the leaders a 5-3 against Allotment Diggers. Shane Newbold, Paul Brett Jnr and Craig Smith won the singles against Peter Robinson, Pete Coulam and Craig Foster.

A 2-0 from Jim Drury was cancelled out by a similar effort from Adam Board as Not Bottom drew 4-4 with Ray Edmonds Jubilee.

Cromwell Car Care won 6-2 at Hasbeens when James Wootton, Clive Brummitt and Aaron McHugh all won 2-0 in response to a 2-0 from Bernard Christy.

Cromwell B ended a five match losing streak with a 6-2 home win against Laceby Legion A. Mick Bird and Keith Fuller were their 2-0 hero's with Brian Broomhead and Jim Bird winning singles against Dave Chester and Mick Robinson.

Standard B won by the same score at Power Rangers when Dave Rushby and Barry Loveday both won 2-0 and Pete Gibson and Mick Harrison shared with Wally Aisthorpe and Liam Cribb.

The Grimsby League Centenary celebrations.

Dates for your diary.

Following the success of the Singles Handicap Knock Out held at the Ray Edmonds Snooker Centre, we are pleased to announce that on Thursday Evening 20th December, we will be holding a fun pairs knockout at the same venue. All entries will be drawn from a hat to form the pairings, which will be a handicap player partnering a scratch man. Get your team-mates to enter or if not, just turn up on your own, you'll be guaranteed a partner. The semi-finals and final will be held the following Thursday.

On Saturday 29th December, a fun challenge night will take place also at the Ray Edmonds Snooker Centre. There will be all sorts of snooker and billiard games with a difference. (Time events; clear the colours, dodgy whites etc.) For more details of both events, speak to Mick Chew. Alan Edmonds or Dave Webster, or keep your eyes on the snooker reports.

A PETITION has been launched against planned changes to parking charges as Louth shopkeepers worry about the economic future of the town.

Traders, residents and visitors have come together to oppose East Lindsey District Council's proposed changes to parking arrangements across the district.

Gary Denniss, of M & G Designs, in Little Eastgate, said: "These are tough economic times and we are all struggling to keep Louth a vibrant market town.

"There's a strong feeling among businesses that the council is working against what we are trying to achieve.

"Plans to introduce Sunday charging and scrap free car parking are a real threat to our livelihoods and it appears that councillors have not done any meaningful research and don't even have a properly-planned car parking strategy."

Traders feel that it is the four-hour shopper that the town should be attracting as it is those that will explore what is on offer.

Plans proposed for ELDC car parks suggest making the first hour free for motorists.

Mr Denniss added: "It's all very well shoppers popping into town to collect a paper or nip in for specific item but what about those who visit the town to see what it has to offer?"

It is not only shop traders that have voiced their concerns.

Market trader Alan Grant said: "This isn't a council that cares about business.

"My customers love to visit Louth's market and shops and we need to encourage them, not push them away."

Those wanting to sign the petition can do so at M & G, Peter Rhodes, Diana's Shoes, Materialistic, Chilli Peppers, Striacroft Jewellers, Spinning Wheel, H and A Crafts, Faulkners of Louth and many of the town's market stalls.

The organiser of the Louth Town Partnership's market events, Mick Foreman, said: "We who volunteer at the partnership put in hundreds of hours as we strive to attract people into the town.

"The council should work in partnership with us and genuine consultation should be routine."

Portfolio holder for the environment at the council, Tony Bridges, said: "Car parking arrangements will be considered at the meeting of council in January, allowing all district councillors to contribute to the final decision.

"As well as making car parking arrangements more consistent, I am proposing an amendment to the scrutiny report which will go a long way in enabling us to protect services to residents in light of cuts to our funding and rising cost pressures in delivering services.

"If we don't increase income, the reality is that the council will need to consider what it stops doing and/or increase council tax."

ANDREW Dodd of Grimsby Minster is adamant that nothing will change now that he has been made a Canon.

As reported, the former Reverend was honoured at a ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral on Saturday.

Although Canon Dodd now has some new obligations to the Cathedral – both in an administrative and preaching role – he's determined to not let it change his work closer to home.

"My work around Grimsby is the most important thing," he said.

"Nothing will change in the day to day running of the church and its community.

"It's a real honour to be given this title and have more of a role within the wider community.

"I've received lots of cards and messages of support from everyone."

The ceremony to install a member of the church as a Canon is a very ancient service, steeped in tradition and ritual.

Canon Dodd now has his own seat in the choir at Lincoln Cathedral as part of his title, and is required to speak there throughout the year.

"I'm speaking at the Cathedral for the first time next February, it's going to be an exciting time for me and the Grimsby Minster," Canon Dodd said.

And the honour awarded to Canon Dodd isn't the only exciting event coming up for the Grimsby Minster.

It will host a series of services to mark the festive season. These include:

Saturday, December 1 at 2pm – St Andrew's Hospice Shine a Light service.

Sunday, December 2 at 6pm

– advent carol service.

Thursday, December 6 at 6pm – carols in the square.

Friday, December 14 at noon – shoppers' carol service.

Saturday, December 15 at 11am – Mayor's coffee morning. At 5.30pm – A Very Heavy Christmas Concert (an alternative carol service).

Sunday, December 16 at 6.30pm – civic service of nine lessons and carols.

Christmas Eve at 3pm – crib service. At 6pm – Christmas Eve Eucharist.

Christmas Day at 8am – holy Eucharist. At 10am – parish Eucharist.

Thursday, December 27 at 10.30am – Eucharist.

Sunday, December 30 at 10.30am – united parish Eucharist service.

YOUNG people desperate to find work have had a taste of running their own business – and you can help support them this weekend.

On Sunday, members of the Passport To Success Enterprise Programme are holding a fundraising car boot sale, with all proceeds being donated to charity.

The event is part of a community learning course held at the Freeman Street Resource and Community Centre, in Kent Street, Grimsby, which aims to help young people find a path into work.

Members of the team behind the car boot are all looking for employment and have organised the event as part of a unit on enterprise. Teaching assessor Kevin Oflin has been working with the young people on the project for six weeks.

He said: "They are all doing really well.

"They are embracing the project and everyone is playing their part and contributing.

"There are lots of factors affecting employment for young people.

"One big thing is the fact they are competing against so many more people now and there is very little employment about.

"Employers aren't taking youngsters on and it is difficult for them to get quality work placements so they can get experience.

"They are really up against it."

Organising the car boot has given them a taste of running their own business and developing their skills in marketing, advertising and finances.

Along with improving the young people's CVs, interview techniques, IT and communication skills, it has also helped to address issues surrounding low self-esteem and confidence.

Kerri Gayfar, 18, from Grimsby, suffers with anxiety and at one stage was too intimidated to work.

Now she is looking forward to completing the course and getting on the career ladder.

She said: "It has taught me how to work with others, which I have never been very keen on doing because of my anxiety problems.

"Because this is a small group, I can get on with everyone and I already feel more confident.

"Before this course I found it hard to even get out of bed in the morning, now I am just looking forward to getting a job."

Mr Oflin added: "This course helps build confidence and makes them realise they have got skills, that they are employable and hopefully, they will be able to find work."

The car boot sale will take place this Sunday at Freeman Street Resource and Community Centre.

Gates open to sellers at 7.30am and the public at 9am.

It costs £4 for a car and £6 for a trailer and booking is essential. Contact 07974 746997.

A WOMAN viciously punched a man while he was on the ground during a "nasty" vigilante beating that left the innocent victim unconscious, a court heard.

Carla Aldred, 33, of Winthorpe Road, Grimsby, admitted assaulting Lookman Miah, causing actual bodily harm, on July 29.

David Gordon, prosecuting, told Grimsby Crown Court that Mr Miah was at his home in Hainton Avenue at about midnight when he heard someone kicking the door of a pizza shop opposite.

He heard the word "paedophile" being shouted and went across to say the flat was unoccupied.

Aldred claimed her 12-year-old daughter had received telephone calls from a number supposedly traced to those premises. She had gone there with a man to confront the occupant but there was no reply.

The man punched Mr Miah and Aldred thumped him about three times while he was on the ground. Mr Miah was left unconscious.

Aldred was "horribly mistaken" in thinking Mr Miah "might be some kind of sex offender", said Mr Gordon.

Simon Hirst, mitigating, said mother-of-three Aldred was trying "in a misguided way" to protect her daughter after text messages were sent to her and telephone calls were made to her.

Aldred reported the matter to the police but claimed that the matter was not taken as seriously as she would have liked.

There was "no excuse" for her drink-fuelled behaviour, which was "wholly wrong", said Mr Hirst.

Recorder Jonathan Bennett told Aldred: "This was a very nasty assault. This man was a completely innocent member of the public. He was beaten and knocked unconscious."

Aldred, who recently finished a job cleaning caravans, was given a 26-week suspended prison sentence, 100 hours' unpaid work, a 16-week 8pm to 6am curfew and was ordered to pay £350 compensation.

A POEM by a rigger friend of fallen soldier Matthew Telford has sparked the release of a poetry book to raise money for charities that support our troops.

Matthew McCourt, 43, of Cleethorpes, was a good friend of the late Sergeant Matthew Telford, who was killed in Afghanistan in November 2009 by a rogue Afghan policeman, as reported.

Mr McCourt pays tribute to the fallen at Grimsby Cenotaph every year and this year, the published poet was inspired to write about Remembrance Day and he sent it to the Support British Soldiers Facebook group on November 10.

Overnight, more than 2,500 people read the poem and the group decided they would compile a book of poems from other members and sell it to raise money for soldiers' charities – with McCourt's creation as the flagship verse.

"It's just such an honour to be part of something that will raise money for such a good cause," said Mr McCourt.

The poem, 50 Shades Of A Date, reads as though the writer has a big date lined up with a woman and the twist is that the date is in fact Remembrance Day – and the poet is equally as unconventional.

Mr McCourt grew up on the Nunsthorpe, was expelled from school and has made his living for more than 20 years by working as a rigger and a doorman.

The Hooligan Poet – which was the name of his first published book – loved writing from an early age but stopped for decades until he broke his leg in 2002.

Mr McCourt added: "I was naughty at school but I would always get full marks for my creative writing and hand in essays double the length of anyone else's.

"My dad, who was a tough Glaswegian, thought there was something wrong with me when I asked for a typewriter for my birthday – it was like I was Billy Elliott.

"I stopped for years but when I had my leg in cast for six weeks after breaking it playing football, I started again – and now it is my passion.

"I'm a simple working man and I enjoy my job as a rigger so I try to write poetry that normal people in Grimsby would like.

"I don't make much money but I get much more out of knowing that people read my poetry and that's why I'm so pleased that this poem has been so popular.

"I'm a lad from the Nunsthorpe who was thrown out of school and people never expected me to do anything good and now my name is associated with this great cause – it makes me very proud."

Mr McCourt is currently writing a compilation of funny stories about his 22 years working on the doors and another book of 100 poems.

A release date for Poems For Heroes, compiled by Supporting British Troops, has not yet been announced.

HUMBERSIDE'S newly- elected Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matthew Grove "hit the ground running" on the streets of Grimsby yesterday after officially taking on the role.

During a visit to the town's East Marsh, Mr Grove spoke with community leaders.

Explaining the choice of venue, Mr Grove said: "I chose the East Marsh not because it is an area with challenges and difficulties, but because it is an area that's rising to those challenges."

He described the work of the area's neighbourhood policing teams and its partner organisations as a "beacon" for others to follow, and praised North East Lincolnshire's Community Safety Partnership as the best he had seen.

During his tour of the ward, Mr Grove spoke to staff and volunteers at the Your Place community centre, in Wellington Street, and Shalom Youth Centre, in Rutland Street.

Chris Taylor, project manager at Your Place, said Mr Grove was very impressed with the skills programmes that are run for ex-offenders who are referred to the centre by the probation service.

She said: "One of the encouraging things about the visit was how he valued the work of the voluntary and community sector.

"The crime level is quite high and people are in fear of crime so it is really important that the East Marsh is focused upon.

"I think it is great that he took the time to look around and he showed a real interest in what we do and that was very encouraging."

The Rev John Ellis, project manager at the Shalom Youth Centre, added: "He was very impressed with the whole project and he congratulated us on what we were doing and said if we need any help in the future to get in touch with him.

"I didn't have any particular issues to raise with him as we have a very good working relationship with the police.

"It was a very positive visit and I hope we will keep in touch with him."

Speaking to the Grimsby Telegraph prior to his tour of the ward, Mr Grove revealed that he had already instructed his staff to advertise for a new chief constable to replace Tim Hollis, who will retire in March.

During a press conference at Grimsby Neighbourhood Centre, Mr Grove said: "I want to do everything I can to keep the people of East Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire safe. Crimes are being committed as we speak. There is no breathing space, no time to settle in, we have to hit the ground running."

He admitted his manifesto – which includes billing drunken troublemakers for police time used – was ambitious, but said: "I don't think the people of this area want me to play safe. They want us to take risks in order to protect them as best we can."

Mr Grove said he was inheriting an organisation with firm foundations, but added: "While we have had significant reductions in crime, there are areas such as violent crime and sexual crime that are unacceptably high. These are crimes that devastate people's lives and we have to do more to tackle them."

Appearing alongside Mr Grove at yesterday's press conference, chief constable Tim Hollis said he was relieved that the period of uncertainty which surrounded the PCC elections was over, but expressed confidence that the new position, which has replaced the Humberside Police Authority, would work.

He said: "I did feel apprehensive when there was talk of mandates, turnouts and personalities because I feared it might undermine the public's confidence in the police.

"I'm glad that uncertainty is over and as from today we can look forward in a positive fashion. I'm looking forward to ensuring a smooth transition both to the new PCC and my successor and between them I am confident they will continue to build on some solid foundations."

See tomorrow's Telegraph for a question and answer with Mr Grove, and Monday for a feature on Alan Hardwick's plans for Lincolnshire Police.

"SHE was the bravest person I ever met – an absolute inspiration to me and everyone she knew."

These were the words of Emma Norris as she talked about her sister, 17-year-old Shannon Davis, who sadly lost her two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer on November 14.

Emma, 29, said: "She was one of the most caring and loving people I have ever met and even when she knew that the cancer was terminal, she was still determined to make the most of what time she had left."

As reported, Shannon, from Immingham, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in April 2010 when she was just 15 years old and underwent numerous courses of chemotherapy – but nothing worked.

However, Shannon became the first at Leeds General Infirmary to test a pioneering new drug known as Cloud and within five days, she was in remission.

"When Shannon was first diagnosed, she was scared and suddenly, her life was going to hospital for treatment rather than doing the things other teenagers did," said Emma.

"It was a shock for the whole family but when she got better, things started to get back to normal – my mum went back to work and Shannon even went back to college."

Unfortunately, six months ago, Shannon and her family were informed that the disease had returned and that this time, she would not recover.

However, Shannon decided to make the most of what time she had left and spent that time enjoying her life.

The family took a holiday together at Butlins, in Ingoldmells; Shannon spent a weekend in the Lake District and sailed off the coast of the Isle of White with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

She even had her 18th birthday party early – Shannon would have turned 18 on December 1 – while she was still well enough to enjoy it with friends and family.

Emma added: "She was a typical teenager, she liked music, going to the cinema and she had a really rebellious streak.

"We don't want to paint her as perfect because she could be trouble with a capital 'T' – but who can't at that age?

"Even when she was ill, it never stopped her doing the things that she wanted to do – but we loved her for it.

"Faults aside, she would do anything for anyone and was a very loving, affectionate and funny person. Even at 17, she would still make sure she told her mum that she loved her and gave her a kiss before she went to bed every night."

Shannon's funeral will take place at Grimsby Crematorium on Wednesday, from 1.40pm.

Donations can be made to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. Visit www.leukaem ialymphomaresearch.org.uk

CALLS to take action over "terrifying" foxes have been dismissed by council bosses – despite the government stating that local authorities have the power to do so.

As reported, residents in Cleethorpes said they were "terrified" of the wild animals after reports of them trying to get into their homes, stealing food from their bins and ripping chunks out of their gardens.

But a spokesman for North East Lincolnshire Council said it will advise residents how to reduce the number of foxes that come into their gardens, but will not do any more to help.

Residents also took the matter to Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers, who then took it up with the government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

He was told by Defra the local authority have powers under the Local Government Act 2000, which states: "Every local authority has power to do anything they consider likely to achieve the promotion or improvement of the economic wellbeing, the social wellbeing and the environmental wellbeing of their area."

And, as a result, the residents have now reissued their pleas for help.

Chairman of the Cleethorpes South Forward group, Keith Brown, said: "Everyone recognises it as a massive issue. Some people see them as a nuisance, pooing all over the place, coming too close to people's houses and trying to get through their windows, while other people put food out for them.

"It has divided opinion and there needs to be some middle ground.

"What we are saying is, if numbers continue to increase like they are doing, they will become a big problem. We need to start controlling them now – why wait until we have a crisis?

"At one point it was very rare to see a fox in town, now it is pretty common and something needs to be sorted."

NELC said it cannot stop foxes because other government legislation states: "Killing and controlling foxes under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is restricted, no poisonous substances are authorised for use on foxes, it is an offence to intentionally inflict unnecessary suffering on any wild mammal under the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996, the use of gin traps is banned under the Pests Act 1954 and it is an offence to set fox snares where a dog, cat or protected animal may be killed or injured."

Also, NELC does not have a pest control department – although a spokesman for the authority added that even if it did, it wouldn't do anything – as the council has no obligation to remove foxes.

Portfolio holder for regeneration and environment, Councillor Peter Wheatley said: "Foxes are protected against abuse and ill-treatment under various pieces of legislation.

"The council does not have a pest control service and even if it did, we would follow legislation and standard practice and give relevant advice regarding foxes."

He advised keeping tempting food and rubbish in secure containers to stop the scavenger animals becoming attracted to gardens, clearing the garden or using deterrents.

More advice can be found on Natural England website – www.naturalengland.org.uk

GRIMSBY Town's bosses have been doing their homework ahead of tomorrow's FA Trophy encounter with Buxton (3pm).

Paul Hurst and Rob Scott know the Northern Premier League side well from their days managing Ilkeston Town and Boston United at that level.

However, the pair took the opportunity to do a little more research on their opponents ahead of the First Round tie at Blundell Park, as Hurst explained.

"We certainly know the manager well – we all played in the same back four at Rotherham United," Hurst, pictured, told the Telegraph.

"And we watched them play on Tuesday night at Nantwich where we saw some strengths from them in terms of how they press and hard they worked.

"And we saw what we believe are a couple of weakness that we might be able to exploit.

"They did change the team around a bit with tomorrow's game in mind.

"But in general we know the players well from being in that league."

"We're well versed on them and ultimately it's about our mental approach and giving them the respect they deserve."

BAD feeling between two neighbours over loud music at night turned nasty when one of them angrily stormed round to confront the other, Grimsby magistrates heard.

The volume on the dispute was dramatically turned up when Andrew Graham drunkenly started throwing punches at his neighbour, the court was told.

Graham, 43, of Hey Street, Cleethorpes, admitted assaulting Paul Copley and damaging a door panel, belonging to him, on November 2.

Debbie Sanders, prosecuting, said Mr Copley, 64, heard loud music and loud voices coming from Graham's home.

There had been previous problems over loud music.

The music continued blaring out until about 5am and Mr Copley did not get much sleep.

He later went to work but, when he arrived home at about 6pm, the music started again.

Mr Copley tried to ignore it but later went over to speak to Graham.

He went inside Graham's home and found him asleep on a sofa. Another man was also there.

Mr Copley returned to his home but later heard banging noises at the door.

He saw a door panel "fly across" the kitchen and Graham stormed inside, looking very angry. Graham swore and asked him: "What do you think you are doing coming into my house?"

He swung punches at Mr Copley but none of them landed.

Mr Copley grabbed a rolling pin to defend himself.

Graham later rated himself, on a scale of drunkenness, as 11 out of 10.

Graham Ives, mitigating, said Graham wanted to do his best to make sure there were no further problems between him and his neighbour.

"He had far too much to drink during the day," said Mr Ives.

Graham remembered "mouthing off" at Mr Copley in the neighbour's kitchen and "swinging his arms around" but there was no contact at all.

Graham ended up with blood running from his head after suffering an injury during the confrontation, but he could not remember how it happened, said Mr Ives.

Graham was given an 18-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £75 compensation, £85 costs and a Government-imposed £15 victims' surcharge.